“Throughout the last twelve years of my life I’ve grown to love and be passionate about the game of FOOTBALL,” Dean wrote. “Over the last two years I have been blessed with the opportunity to be recruited by top collegiate institutions across the country. I’m extremely thankful that GOD has blessed me with talents that not only allow me to use on the field but carry with me during my day to day life.

“I would like to thank GOD, my family especially my parents and my sisters for always having my back and being patient as I got closer to my decision. Now it has come to the time that I am ready to make my decision and be committed to one great institution. I’ve decided to commit to THE University of Tennessee. There is only 1 Tennessee and only 1 Trey Dean. #DomIn8”

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Dean picked the Volunteers over 30 other offers, which includes schools like Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina – three of his other top school choices – among others.

Dean – whose primary recruiter is defensive backs coach Charlton Warren – took an unofficial visit to Tennessee this past weekend ahead of his commitment. He also had an unofficial visit to the school on March 25 after receiving an offer on Jan. 23.

Dean is considered by 247Sports Composite to be among the top 25 safeties in the nation. He also is a top-285 overall prospect nationally, including a top-30 prospect in Georgia.

With his commitment, the Vols now have two safeties committed in their 2018 recruiting class. Four-star prospect Brendon Harris, who committed in May, is the other.